Developer- and Publisher-specific Articles: Sandbox

After introducing players to the game’s five protagonists, Sega is now focusing on some of Yakuza 5’s secondary characters. The first is Masaru Watase, a hotshot lieutenant for the Omi Alliance itching for a gang war. Looking to stop him and his ilk is a mysterious Osaka detective who uses clues to manipulate the main characters. Sosuke Komaki is a flannel-loving trainer who is helping Kiryu. On the other end of the spectrum are Goro Majima, an enforcer for the Shimano Family, and Hiroshi Kugihara, a mutilated, deranged inmate out to terrorize Saejima during his stint. Even more of the extended cast is featured in the dozen new screenshots posted below.

Avalanche Studios’ latest open-world explosionfest Just Cause 3 is now available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The Square Enix-published title continues the series’ tradition of pitting players against a ruthless dictator, in this case General Di Ravell of Medici. As Rico Rodriguez, players are tasked with causing as much mayhem as possible in the republic’s 400 square miles in order to topple the regime. A gameplay trailer below offers a sample of the over-the-top action, while the launch trailer and some new screens have also been posted.

Rockstar has added a new Adversary Mode to the PC, PS4, and Xbox One versions of GTA Online. The latest addition, Running Back, pits two teams of 2 to 4 players in a race to get one side’s Runner to the end zone in their Benefactor Panto aided by their teammates in BF Biftas. The opposing team, also in BF Biftas, must block the Runner by crashing and smashing into the opposing team. The mode is playable in three areas: La Mesa Bridge, Raton Canyon Bridge, and Zancudo Tunnel. Rockstar will be demonstrating Running Back the mode later today, at 4 p.m. (CST), on Twitch and YouTube.

Sega has released a new set of screenshots showcasing the combat system in Yakuza 5. In the upcoming crime thriller, each of the five protagonists has their own unique fighting style, special abilities, and skills. In addition, players can also grab a variety of ad hoc weapons to help them crush their enemies, including bicycles, pliers, and street signs. Sega’s recent livestream demonstrating the gameplay has been archived to their Youtube channel, while the next session is set to air today at 1:30 p.m. (CST) on their Twitch channel. Over 25 shots have been posted.

Sega has released nearly 20 screenshots highlighting the various side activities in Yakuza 5. From racing chickens to bowling, playing pool, fishing, or trying their luck with a UFO catcher to win a snazzy statue, players will have plenty to do when they aren’t out and about Yakuza-ing it up. An archive of the last livestream, which runs an hour and a half long, has also been posted on the official Youtube channel and below along with the pictures. To catch the streams live, head over to and bookmark Sega’s Twitch channel.

Sega has detailed the five protagonists of Yakuza 5. Each character will follow their own storyline, and below you’ll find info on all five: Kazuma Kiryu, Taiga Saejima, Haruka Sawamura, Shun Akiyama, and Tatsuo Shinada. New screenshots were released alongside the info, showing a little of everything, including cinematics, dialog, and exploration.

Sega has released the third and final entry in their developer interview for Yakuza 5. The ending interview is with general director Toshihiro Nagoshi and producer Masayoshi Yokoyama, and covers the game’s themes, music, and impending Western release. If you’ve missed the first two parts, head over to part 1 and then part 2. Also, while an exact release date is still unknown, the game has gone up for pre-order, and it was revealed today that early buyers will receive a 15% discount and the Fulfiller of Dreams static theme. New screenshots were also released, as well as a look at the theme.

Rockstar will be adding Rockstar Editor to the PS4 and Xbox One versions of Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online with next month’s update. The update will also add features that will be available for the PC version, including new font styles, the ability to copy and paste audio markers, Snapmatic integration, access to an ambient audio and sound effects library, and extra Director Mode options. Director Mode will receive an enlarged minimap with blips marking preset locations, the ability to spawn air and water vehicles, and the option to freeze time-of-day settings. GTA Online’s Freemode will also be receiving some new gameplay content, though specifics won’t be revealed until later.

Sega has released the second video of their ongoing series exploring the themes and history of Yakuza 5. The first, released last April, offered an overview of the storyline and inspirations behind the series, while the latest interview, with developers Mr. Nagoshi and Mr. Yokoyama, covers the character designs, hostess clubs, and new cities. The two also touch on the series’ appeal to Western audiences.

Microsoft made a number of announcements at this year’s gamescom. A few of which include the reveal of Halo Wars 2 for Xbox One and Windows 10, currently in development at Creative Assembly, Killer Instinct Season 3, and the addition of Shadow Complex to the backwards compatibility preview program. Speaking of which, Microsoft plans to have up to 100 Xbox 360 titles supported by the November launch. Other announcements included console bundles for Fifa 16 and Halo 5: Guardians, DVR for Over-the Air TV functionality for Xbox One (a subscription-free service, allowing for streaming and transferring between devices), two Halo 5 wireless controllers ($69.99 each), and a chatpad ($34.99). Details, screens, and movies for the games on display can be found below.